Chapter 168: The refinement challenge (1)
"Tarquin, why not let me refine it!"
The words, although not spoken loudly, stunned everyone inside the Temple. They looked at each other, ensuring they heard correctly. They looked at the middle-aged guy beside Tarquin, who stared back at them as if he said the most normal thing.
After a few seconds, when the meaning of those words sunk, there was an uproar in the Temple.
"Does he think he is better than the master?"
"He sure is confident!"
"Truly an imbecile. The difference between a Fiend and a Disaster crystal is immense."
The shouts and comments didn’t only come from the spectators. The other refiners were also enraged by his comment. Even those who were slightly pleased and impressed by his performance were frowning.
Delia was fuming. She wouldn’t admit it aloud but acknowledged that Mike was a better refiner than her. But the despicable fellow’s words implied he could refine a Disaster crystal at the same level as her master. That wasn’t something she could ever accept.
The Merchant Union’s refiners stayed silent but rejoiced in the uproar Hex had caused. They too admitted their inferiority to the man’s skills but seeing him being scolded and rebuked by the masses was satisfying.
Tarquin, his teammates, and the four refiners looked at the calm man in their midst. Tarquin felt torn between confusion and fury. He was pleased by Mike’s performance, especially because he considered Mike his acquisition. He didn’t know how to react to his absurd request. And that made him furious. If the fellow made his request silently, it would have been easier to resolve. Now he would be forced to argue in front of a crowd.
Hex looked bored at the people shouting around him. The drama wasn’t necessary as far as he was concerned. ’They react like I asked something of theirs. And Tarquin looks like a dumb fuck right now. Just say yes or no. And I can counter propose.’ He almost rolled his eyes at the crown but didn’t. He knew when to stop.